Best speakers in the 50-60k range ?


Some context: I’ve recently had to downsize my speakers. However since I got inot this hobby 2 years ago I’ve always been looking ahead, to see what my next big item purchase is. I’ve got a budget of about $60k for the speakers.

I have a superate budget for amp, dac, but regardless of the type of speaker I wind up with, I will get a electronic front end that makes sense for the speaker. I think it’s a bit backwards to be considering amp before I’ve selected the right speakers.

I  like pop, rock, metal, grunge like Rush, Metallica, Cranberries and Taylor Swift as much as I like better mastered music like Diana Krall.

Oh. And I like horns.

Here are the options I’ve been considering so far;

Purchasing another pair of JBL 4367. This option makes a lot of sense if I wanted to spend 100k on electronics instead. I was thinking Mcintosh (MC611) or Spectral (DMA360) amplification, or Pass Labs (XA200.8) as for preamps I could go with the Mcintosh C1100, the matching Spectral preamp, or the Pass Labs XP-30 or XS preamp. 

But I want to try Wilsons, or Avantgardes... see below.

Sasha DAW or Alexia Series 2. The former allows me to budget for a matching high power amp, the latter would require purchasing a lower end power amp until I’ve saved enough for a better one. Another option would be to wait until early 2020 before purchasing anything. The dealer I wanted to do business with carries both Mcintosh and Wilson... an audition for the aforementioned speakers is of course mandatory, and upcoming this summer. I’ve no doubt in my mind I’ll be impressed with what I hear but if im not I always have the JBL or other options.

Avantgarde Acoustics Duo XD or possibly Duo Mezzo. Yes I love horns. I am almost certain I would greatly enjoy these. I just love love horns. Another advantage is that these are self powered bass section speakers so I could use a low powered 2a3 tube amp with them. (I love 2a3 amps) which is significantly less expensive cost wise compared to the solid state beasts I’d need for the Wilsons...

Anyway that’s what I’ve got so far. I’ve asked around on another forum called audiosciencereview and the advice the few people I spoke with so far was that I’m better off getting another pair of JBL. It does seem logical. And I’d have a huge budget to play with for all manner of electronics... but the audiophile in me wants to get Wilson, or AG... 

Ill also be auditioning the Magico S5MKII but based on my research so far I don’t think I would like the sound of those speakers.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xd2girls
What are the magic numbers ?
25% for speakers
25 % for electronics
25%  for cables 
25 % for  power generators ( power conditionner )

Are those still relevant ?
I think I saw this on AudioGon


I second the several suggestions re: Vivid Audio Giya’s.

in fact, without meaning to be insulting to anyone whose favorite brands I am about to insult, IMnot-soHO I find pretty much every brand you mentioned on your list dated and not at the cutting edge of speaker design. In short, no longer even relevant in the $50-60k discussion in 2019. 

Magico is the exception on your list though I don’t personally like them. 

Lots of excellent suggestions have cropped up in comments. I would add Rockports to your list as well.

i am being harsh partly because I think the industry is ultimately hurt by these dinosaurs that are hard for leading-edge companies to compete against because of their marketing dollars. As consumers we should encourage real R&D and progress with our purchasing decisions.

Good lock with an awesome price point for speakers. You should be able to find something endgame in that budget.

all the best... and again sorry if I offended anyone.
...and PS... please (I humbly beg of you) think outside the (big) boxes when it comes to purchasing amps as well. So much more interesting stuff happening out there than what’s on your current list. 

Absolare, Audionet, Aavik.... and that’s just the “A”s.... 

Again, it pains me to see all the $$$ making it’s way back to the dinosaurs...

there is is an exception on this list as well, but I won’t mention the name... to at least leave a seed of doubt that hopefully causes the field of view to broaden 

IMHO, sorry again to offend...